From Student to Staff Member

In 2017, Bachema approached us to help pay for his school expenses. He was entering the 9th grade, but was about to lose his opportunity to receive an education because his family could not afford to pay for the next year. In Haiti, missing even one semester of school can put a student's future at risk of being left behind. At the time, we were only providing elementary level courses, so we created an opportunity for Bachema to work at our campus and receive tuition support for a local high school. For four years, Bachema cleaned classrooms nearly everyday after school and also worked on maintenance and building projects with our team during the summer.

Bachema graduated from high school in June 2021 and accepted a position in our maintenance department. He now leads maintenance projects and works with a $7,500 budget while pursuing a Business Management degree at a university in Port-au-Prince.

When asked about the difference One 17 has made in his life, Bachema said that working in a positive environment with supportive staff members has helped to improve his confidence. He feels more hopeful about the plans God has for his life, and by One 17 providing financial support for his education, he now has the opportunity to pursue his dream to help improve his family’s circumstances and develop his community.

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